Has anyone riden the Forum Grudge?... I havent heard anyone say good things in this post...

Sorry that was false it was mentioned.

I was leaning to the Burton Custom as more of a fall back plan... I know it is a great board, but everyone and their brother has it. I dont need to stand out but I also dont want to be too sterotypical. If the other boards arent on the same level then I will opt for performance and get the burton... for similar ride I would rather get something different. I am really interested in the Neversummer line, but like I said I am not familiar and need advice. I am looking to spend under $400. Also like some of the Lib Techs but too pricey... Unless you know of some deals.

...but I have never riden one and am weary about getting one and not loving it...

Well, you run that risk with any board you haven't logged serious time on, not just NS decks. NS doesmake good shit. I've never known someone who wasn't happy with their decks. I had a System. It was great, but I ditched it for a really floppy park board (Graft). My best friend has a Legacy, and thing is like a driving a sofa. It's a touch on the heavy side, but it just plows through everything with really acute stability, speed, and comfort. It's a great deck for groomers and cruising, but I wouldn't take it in the park. Based on my System, and riding my friends Legacy, I wouldn't hesitate to get another NS or advise anyone else to seriously consider checking out their entire line.

Does anyone know details about the Neversummer 09 EVO-R or the 08 System? I get the impression the EVO-R is too much of a park oriented board. Maybe the System is a good fit? These are both found to be in my price range. So far haven't found an SL-R in that cost bracket. Wish price wasnt a factor but it is.

I can't say with certainty about this year's decks, but NS boards have historically run on tad on the stiff side. I had the 08 System. It was a little stiff for the park, and a little soft for death speed runs down blacks. It was amazing everywhere else. The 08 has a slightly set-back stance (3/4 to 1 inch. I can't remember). Flex pattern is slightly directional, but still rode well going switch. If you can find a deal on the SL, check that out, too. That deck is little bit stiffer than the System and will handle speed a bit better.

I think I am going to get the NeverSummer EVO-R. Has anyone ridden this. I want to know if I can use it for all-mountain purposes i hear it is a very similar to the SL-R but is a true twin design and has a little less dampening. is the reduced dampening really going to significantly effect my ride? and how?

I have a Burton Custom (old model...called something else). I also have Lib Tech's T. Rice, and Never Summer's Summit.

I'm a big guy and the Custom does me well as an all-around board. I still love it. In really good powder, I prefer the Never Summer. In icy crap, I prefer the T. Rice. But, when building a quiver, the Burton is a great place to start.

I agree with the others on the stiffness though...it's not a park board. It handles anything backcountry or on piste well enough though.